Balikbayan: “Coming Home To Your Whole Self”

In honor of Filipino American Heritage Month, Tsismosas Collective presents our Sophomore Art Show at The Living Gallery. We invite you to join us on a journey of self discovery and to connect with our growing community of cultural cycle breakers and creatives during our Reception on October 24th, 6-9PM.

We will be showcasing the artworks and installations of the six co-founders of Tsismosas Collective (Christie Rafol, Cassandra Balbas, Christianne Padilla, Casielle Santos-Gaerlan, Alitha A. Alford, and Andrea Miralles) and are deeply honored to also be showcasing the works of three wonderfully talented regional artists:

• Ana Mengote Baluca

• Ashley Betito

• Alexa Villanueva

Reception tickets include Filipino food curated and prepared by our phenomenal sponsor Kabisera NYC.

Complimentary refreshments will be provided by Tsismosas Collective.

Additional beverage vouchers will be available for purchase at the door for delicious, handcrafted iced beverages prepared by the baristas of the up and coming JT's from Garden Grove, CA.
Beverage Menu:

• Ube Horchata

• Melon sa Malamig Refresher

TICKET INFORMATION:

Early-Bird: $20 (SALES END OCTOBER 6, 2024)

General Admission (1): $30 (SALES END OCTOBER 20, 2024)

General Admission (2): $40
RECEPTION:

Thursday, October 24, 6PM-9PM

The Living Gallery

1094 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11221

*Please visit our Instagram @tsismosasnyc for the full exhibition schedule and gallery hours.

Exhibition Statement

Tsismosas Collective presents, “Balikbayan: Coming Home to Your Whole Self,” an art exhibition that centers around the commonly shared Filipino-American experience of being both physically separated from the land our ancestors came from, and at times, emotionally detached from the culture either left behind, or never experienced first hand. A common story amongst Filipino-Americans is the feeling of being seen as “too much” or “too little” for our hyphenated identities and cultures, and the inevitable weight and fear of not being “enough” for either.

To be a “balikbayan,” or a Filipino who has returned to the Philippines, is often seen as a homecoming– a celebration, but behind that, we often ignore the complexities of emotions that pair with that moment of returning home. For some, there is a remembrance of what was and what isn’t and the passing of time and space that results in the evolution (or displacement) of self.

Ultimately, there is light and dark in the experience of returning home, whether that is to your place of birth, or to your sense of self. Through this artistic journey, we looked within, to examine the state of our connection to our roots, while embracing the evolution of our identities. The process of coming home to oneself is both personal and communal, and we invite you to investigate what your own story might be. “Balikbayan” is an invitation to come home – to your true self, your community, and the rich tapestry of identities that define you.

The artists showcase artwork in a diverse array of media, ranging from an abstract use of pastels and watercolor to the whole gamut of the digital arts, including illustration , immersive art installations, photography, and typography. They also utilize bold colors in acrylics, oil, family heirlooms, tribal fabrics, nature encapsulated in resin, and mixed-media collage to further share their stories.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Living Gallery, 1094 Broadway, Brooklyn, United States